Page 9 - RADC Bulletin 2022

AMS Women’s Rugby
Capt James Williams
AMSW RUFC: THE PHOENIX RISING FROM THE ASHES
The AMS has a rich heritage of rugby success in the top flight women’s game, more so now than ever. No fewer than five AMS players wore the coveted red jersey at this year’s Army vs Navy fixture, historically being held at Twickenham for the first time, showing the vast talent the AMS offers the Army.
While there are huge opportunities at
the elite level, the grass roots game has unfortunately suffered through the pandemic with many players leaving and not returning to the sport: an all too common story. The AMS flame had dwindled to a very low ebb, all but extinguished. A new management committee therefore formed for the 21-22 season facing a huge task ahead, with
Capt Williams (coach) and SSgt Bell (club secretary) flying the RADC colours. With low numbers and other sports vying for the time of willing players, plans had to be ambitious but most importantly a lot of fun.
The womens’ season begins with a round- robin of four Corps Development Camps held on a monthly basis hosted in turn by each Corps. The purpose being to invite newcomers to the sport, bring in new talent but most importantly build a team ready for competitive fixtures in the second part of the season.
Alongside this the club also set a precedent for forward-thinking, by securing the first approval, post-covid, from the ASCB for an overseas visit to attend the Barcelona rugby festival in October; a heady mix of competitive rugby and “team bonding” on Lloret de Mar. Alas, covid restrictions just days before the tournament saw it cancelled and 15 girls disappointed not to be off on their travels partying (oops, playing!).
Back to reality, three camps into the season and AMS numbers were growing, but still only yielding seven AMS women for the AMS-led camp that was attended by over 40 players in total. Off the back of that training camp in November a plan with epic
proportions of ambition was born; Ex RED ROSE.
The first week-long women’s rugby camp organised by any Corps across the Army welcomed 17 players to Altcar camp in the last week of February. As well as on-field training, days were packed with sessions on leadership and development from World Cup winning England captain Gill Burn; sports psychology workshops; skills and drills with England U18 head coach James Cooper; refereeing insights from international referee Capt Nikki O’Donnell QARANC and even
a team session with captain of Sale Sharks Women, Beth Stafford. Outside of the training schedule there was also plenty of opportunity for the players to unwind and embrace the social side of the sport. Social secretaries really stepped up to the plate putting on a fantastic games night on camp as well as a night out with the Liverpool University team after their derby clash with Liverpool John Moores. The camp was also blessed with a visit from Colonel Johnson, Colonel AMS. Being a good sport he was fortunate enough to be handed some boots and thrown into a contact session. Safe to say he was given an adequate taste of what hard knocks women’s rugby has to offer before the camp came to a close. A hard week of work but some friendships and team bonds forged for the seasons ahead.
The 21-22 season was rounded off with
a competitive fixture against civilian team Lyneham Lightning. Although the girls
went down 12-0 to a very strong and well organised team, the fighting spirit was there in spadefuls and crunching tackles were dealt out across the defensive line. Very promising signs for the 22-23 season which the team is eyeing up with hungry ambition.
After such a transformational season
the club attended the AMS Sports Awards Dinner, celebrating the successes of the sports season across the AMS. For only the second time in AMS sporting history the ‘President’s Cup’ was awarded, and this time to the AMS Women’s Rugby Union Club. Such an accolade truly was the most fulfilling recognition of the hard work and dedication put in by all the players and management staff. An award thoroughly deserved that was also accompanied by Capt Williams RADC receiving ‘AMS Coach of the Year.’
The AMSW RUFC is looking to recruit both players and management staff (male
or female). No experience is required, but a sense of humour and strong team values are essential. Those interested, please contact Capt James Williams (James.williams192@ mod.gov.uk) for further information
and guaranteed sporting and social opportunities.
RADC BULLETIN 2022 7